Recurring sword inlays...

[Shane Smith]

I was perusing one of my more recent finds at an old second- hand bookstore today.The book in question has illustrations depicting weapons and armours from circa 1000 to 1700 or so. I noticed an illustration of a 16th century sword that had an inlay of an orb intersected by a cross at it's ricasso.That sparked my memory and took me back to the Princeton event hosted by Gary and his group in NJ.At that seminar,I had the opportunity to handle a period sharp and pointy and I am almost dead certain that it had a similar inlay. Now that I have begun looking and thinking,it seems a common and recurring theme.What is the significance of this pictogram that apparently is found on many historic pieces? Any input is appreciated.

[Craig Peters]

Shane,

I am not sure if this helps, but I seem to recall reading in one of Ewart Oakeshotte's books that pictograms were often put in blades by a smith in order to identify their work, sort of like how cattle have a specific brand to identify their owner.

[Scott Anderson]

As in a circle with a + type cross in it or a circle with a T type cross in it? (just being curious)

SPA

[Casper Bradak]

I think that might be more likely a common holy symbol as found on so many swords, rather than the makers mark. Try browsing through Records of the Medieval Sword and I bet you'll find it.
I seem to remember things like that, the hand of god, and various religious sayings as being very common.

[Allen Johnson]

I've seen a ton of these- I'll spend some time tonight trying to find a pictoral link.